American Express Cobalt Card vs CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card
The short answer: for most people the American Express Cobalt Card is the better overall card — we rate it 4.8/5 and it shines if you want foodies and everyday spenders who want maximum points on dining and groceries. Choose the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card instead if your priority is maximizing rewards on travel & dining.
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| Our rating | 4.8 | 4.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $156/yr | $180/yr |
| Welcome bonus | ~$300 | ~$2,415 |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% | 2.5% |
| Rewards type | points | points |
| Top earn rates |
|
|
| Purchase interest | 21.99% | 20.99% |
| Income required | None stated | None stated |
| Best for | Foodies and everyday spenders who want maximum points on dining and groceries | Maximizing rewards on travel & dining |
| Apply now | Apply now |
American Express Cobalt Card
Our winnerThe Cobalt is the gold standard for food-and-grocery earning in Canada. If you spend heavily at restaurants and supermarkets and value flexible, transferable points, nothing else comes close.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card
The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card earns up to 1.5x on travel & dining and carries a $180 annual fee (first year rebate). We estimate around $2415 in first-year value. Figures are illustrative — verify current terms with CIBC.
Frequently asked questions
Is the American Express Cobalt Card or the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card better?
For most Canadians, the American Express Cobalt Card is the better overall pick (we rate it 4.8/5 vs 4.8/5). It's especially strong if you want foodies and everyday spenders who want maximum points on dining and groceries. The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card can still win if you specifically want maximizing rewards on travel & dining.
Which card has the lower annual fee?
The American Express Cobalt Card has the lower annual fee (a $156 annual fee vs a $180 annual fee).
Do either of these cards charge foreign transaction fees?
American Express Cobalt Card: 2.5% foreign transaction fee. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card: 2.5% foreign transaction fee.